About the Solar Decathlon
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon® collegiate competition prepares the next generation of building professionals to design high-performance, low-carbon buildings powered by renewables. The Design Challenge is a one-to-two-semester, design-only competition. Since 2002, Solar Decathlon has promoted student innovation, STEM education, and workforce development opportunities in the buildings industry. The Solar Decathlon has challenged more than 25,000 students to create innovative, affordable, and highly energy-efficient buildings. The Solar Decathlon Competition Event, April 19–21, is an opportunity to learn about the extraordinary accomplishments of the student teams. See below for media participation details.
2024 Design Challenge
Teams competing in the annual Solar Decathlon Design Challenge complete their projects during one or two academic semesters. Participants prepare creative solutions for real-world challenges in the buildings industry. Finalists present their designs to a panel of industry expert jurors during the Solar Decathlon Competition Event, where they also learn from thought leaders and engage with a variety of organizations about energy careers. Winning teams will also be recognized at the Awards Ceremony on April 21 with winning project presentations published on the website within a few weeks of the event.
General Media Access
The Competition Event is not open to the public, but the Juried Presentations and Awards Ceremony are open to the media on a space available basis. Members of the media interested in attending the Solar Decathlon jury presentations and/or awards April 19–21 should email SolarDecathlon@nrel.gov to register.
Images
One of the 2023 Design Challenge winning teams, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. Photo by Vern Slocum, NREL
Design Challenge trophies. Photo by Joe Del Nero, NREL
A 2023 Design Challenge team posing with their exhibits. Photo by Vern Slocum, NREL
Renderings from some of the 2024 Design Challenge Finalist Teams. Graphic by NREL
More photos can be found on the Solar Decathlon Flickr page.
Logos
More logo options and guidance can be found in the Solar Decathlon Branding Guide.
Additional Resources
Media Contacts
Maria Payan
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
EERE Communications | Solar Decathlon Media Relations
maria.payan@ee.doe.gov; 786-564-6323
Kelly MacGregor
Solar Decathlon Communications Lead
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
kelly.macgregor@nrel.gov; 253-254-2663
